I get tons of questions asking me who pays for what regarding the wedding. Does the bride pay for this? Can I pay for that? Can I ask someone to pay for this? Is it ok that the bride’s family isn’t paying for the wedding? Though a small novella would answer all of these questions, here is a simple checklist to let you know the traditional roles in paying for the wedding. Thank you, Emily Post.
Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of The Bride or Bride’s Family
- The wedding consultant (wedding planner or wedding coordinator)
- Wedding invitations, enclosure cards, announcements (all wedding stationery)
- Wedding flowers which includes the bridesmaids bouquets, wedding bouquets, and any floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.
- Wedding photographer and photographs
- Wedding videographer and video
- Any music used during the ceremony and reception
- The entire reception (yup, this is the bride’s responsibility in full)
- Bridesmaids gifts and attendants gifts
- The groom’s wedding ring
- Carpet for the aisle, rental of awnings, etc.
- Cost of soloists and other wedding ceremony musicians/entertainment
- A traffic officer if necessary
- The bridal party’s transportation to the reception
- Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by the bride’s family
- Any accommodations (lodging, fees) for the bridesmaids and attendants
- Sexton fees
Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of The Groom or Groom’s Family
- The marriage license
- Grooms gift to his bride
- Gifts for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
- Formal wear accessories for groomsmen if not part of the clothing rental package
- In some regions, the bridal bouquet
- The bride’s going-away corsage
- Boutonnieres for the groomsmen, ushers, etc.
- Officiant’s fee or donation (this is always a groom’s fee and is different than accommodations)
- Transportation for groom and best man to and from the ceremony
- The honeymoon package and expenses(yup, bride gets the reception, groom gets the honeymoon)
- The rehearsal dinner
- Accommodations for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
- Bachelor dinner if one is being held
- Transportation and lodging for groom’s immediate family
- Corsages for immediate members of both families unless bride includes these in her wedding flowers package
- The bride’s engagement ring and wedding ring
Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of the Bridesmaids or Honor Attendants
- Apparel and all accessories
- Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
- Contribution to a group gift from the bridesmaids to the bride if being given
- An individual gift to the couple if given (being in the wedding may be considered one)
- A shower or luncheon for the bride if held
Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of the Best Man or Ushers
- Individual wedding attire rental
- Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
- Contribution to a group gift from the groomsmen to the groom
- An individual gift to the couple if given
- A bachelor dinner or luncheon if held
Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of Out Of Town Guests
- Transportation to and from the wedding
- Lodging expenses
- Wedding gift
This may seem like a lot to absorb at one time. Don’t worry about it! Print this list off and keep it for later. I hope this is helpful when you’re creating the budget for your wedding. It’s always nice to know who pays for what!
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